Europe-wide GM protest planned

John Monks pledges support to Vauxhall workers

Vauxhall workers in Luton are to join colleagues across Europe in a day of industrial action against plans to close their factory.

National union leaders confirmed the 25 January protest to the BBC after a meeting with local shop stewards and Luton's two MPs.

They said they wanted a co-ordinated Europe-wide campaign to force General Motors into reversing its decision to axe jobs.

TUC General Secretary John Monks and senior union leaders addressed Vauxhall car workers in Luton on Wednesday in support of the campaign to reverse the company's decision to end production of the Vectra at the Kimpton Road plant in 15 months' time.

'No fait accompli'

A TUC statement said: "The general council congratulates unions for not accepting closure as a fait accompli and urges the Luton workers to take heart from workers' experiences at Rover, Longbridge."

Union officials plan to travel to Zurich in January to ask Mike Burns, president of General Motors Europe, to rethink the decision on the Luton factory's future.

The union is also calling on the government to act to help manufacturing industries.

A new poll has shown most people believe companies should be legally required to discuss closure plans with their workers.

More consultation sought

About 82% of 1,000 people surveyed for the Transport and General Workers Union said firms should have to consult their staff before making any final decisions such as moving work to another country.

TGWU general secretary Bill Morris called on the government to drop its opposition to a European directive requiring firms to consult with workers over decisions which lead to redundancies.

"The public wants it, workers deserve it and the Government should do it," he said.

A delegation of Vauxhall workers will meet Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers in London on Thursday.